03-09-2025
10 Best Places to Buy in the Cotswolds
The top 10 best places to buy property in the Cotswolds in 2025 are Bourton-on-the-Water, Stow-on-the-Wold, Moreton-in-Marsh, Bibury, Chipping Norton, Tetbury, Cirencester, Burford, Castle Combe, and Painswick—offering average prices from £400k to £900k, high rental yields for investors, and easy access for commuters from London, Bristol, or Bath.
As a leading UK mortgage broker with offices in Bristol, London, Bath, and Exeter, Fox Davidson specialises in securing mortgages for Cotswolds properties, including buy-to-let and holiday lets with LTV up to 95%.
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Why Invest in Cotswolds Property Now
- Cotswolds properties combine natural beauty, history, and connectivity, perfect for homebuyers, commuters, and short-term let investors.
- Demand remains high in 2025, with stable prices and potential for strong rental returns—act fast in this competitive market.
- Fox Davidson offers tailored mortgages for Cotswolds buys, starting at £100k, with quick approvals via our network of lenders.
Cotswolds Property Market Overview: Essential Facts for Buyers
The Cotswolds span four counties with outstanding natural beauty, rolling hills, and serene villages—ideal for escaping city life while staying connected to London (under 2 hours by train) or Bristol (1 hour drive).
In 2025, property prices average £500k-£700k, boosted by rate cuts and high demand for holiday homes.
Key attractions include:
- Scenic trails like the Cotswold Way for walking and cycling.
- Independent shops, vintage markets, and local pubs for a unique lifestyle.
- Strong investment potential: Holiday lets yield 5-8% annually, appealing to buy-to-let buyers.
For commuters or weekenders, road/rail links make it accessible—perfect if you’re based near our Bristol or London offices.
Top 10 Places to Buy Property in the Cotswolds: Quick Comparison:
| Location | Average Price | Detached Homes | Transport Links | Tourist Appeal | Investment Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chipping Norton | £520,000 | £780,000 | 2 hrs to London | Celebrity village status | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Stow-on-the-Wold | £495,000 | £750,000 | A429 main route | Historic market square | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Burford | £485,000 | £720,000 | A40 to London | Antique shops hub | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Winchcombe | £374,000 | £583,000 | Near Cheltenham | Growing popularity | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Bourton-on-the-Water | £510,000 | £770,000 | Tourist coach access | Venice of Cotswolds | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Moreton-in-Marsh | £445,000 | £665,000 | Direct rail to London | Commuter friendly | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Tetbury | £475,000 | £715,000 | M4 corridor access | Royal connections | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Chipping Campden | £525,000 | £795,000 | Historic wool town | Architectural heritage | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Bibury | £490,000 | £740,000 | A40 accessible | Most photographed village | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Castle Combe | £535,000 | £810,000 | Film location appeal | Picture-perfect setting | ⭐⭐⭐ |
Detailed Guides: Best Places to Buy Property in the Cotswolds
Bourton-on-the-Water: The Venice of the Cotswolds.
Bourton-on-the-Water is the top pick for scenic village living, with charming stone bridges over the River Windrush and average homes at £550k—ideal for holiday lets yielding 6-7%.
- Attractions: Motor museum, model village, pubs, boutiques, and cafes.
- Why Buy: Serene atmosphere, high tourist appeal for rentals; perfect for families or investors.
- Mortgage Tip: Fox Davidson secures buy-to-let loans here with 25% deposits — call our Bristol team for mortgage options over £150k.
Stow-on-the-Wold: A Historic Market Town
Stow-on-the-Wold ranks high for history buffs, featuring a 12th-century market square and properties from £500k—strong for antique lovers and long-term residents.
- Attractions: The Porch House (England’s oldest inn), galleries, traditional pubs.
- Why Buy: Rich wool trade heritage, vibrant high street; great for commuters to London.
- Mortgage Tip: Refinance historic homes with our Bath office, great rates for period property.
Moreton-in-Marsh: Gateway to the North Cotswolds
Moreton-in-Marsh is best for easy access, with a major train station and homes averaging £500k—suited for North Cotswolds explorers.
- Attractions: Farmers’ markets, Fire Service College, nearby Batsford Arboretum.
- Why Buy: Excellent rail links to London (90 mins); affordable entry for first-time buyers.
- Mortgage Tip: Fox Davidson offers bridging loans for quick purchases—contact Bristol office for a quote.
Bilbury: Prettiest Village Charm
Bibury is hailed as England’s prettiest village, with limited-supply cottages over £600k—perfect for peaceful retreats.
- Attractions: Arlington Row (National Trust), trout farm, scenic walks.
- Why Buy: Iconic honey-stone architecture; high demand for short-term lets.
- Mortgage Tip: Secure high-LTV mortgages via our Bath brokers for luxury buys.
Chipping Norton: Family-Friendly Hub
Chipping Norton appeals to families with theatre and shops, properties £450k-£850k—celebrity hotspot like the Beckhams.
- Attractions: Bliss Mill, local markets, independent stores.
- Why Buy: Good schools, community vibe; strong resale value.
- Mortgage Tip: Fox Davidson’s development finance for renovations—Bristol office specialises.
We can work by email, phone and video calls. For face-to-face mortgage advice, our office locations are in the South of the UK: Bath, Bristol, Exeter & London.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Cotswolds is a popular location for property investment due to its stunning natural landscapes, rich history, and a stable property market, ensuring strong potential for long-term growth.
Bourton-on-the-Water is desirable for property buyers due to its picturesque scenery, charming stone bridges, and vibrant local community. These appealing features create an inviting atmosphere for both residents and visitors.
Stow-on-the-Wold’s appeal lies in its rich history, particularly its historic Market Square and significant role in the wool trade, enhancing its charm and uniqueness as a place to live.
Moreton-in-Marsh currently offers the strongest rental yields due to its direct rail connections to London and lower entry prices compared to tourist villages. Properties here achieve consistent occupancy from commuters and visitors alike.
Clarkson’s Farm has increased interest in the Chipping Norton area by approximately 15%, with particular impact on rural properties and farm conversions. This celebrity association has enhanced the area’s desirable place status among international buyers.
The most expensive property sale recorded in the Cotswolds is for The Manor House in Upper Slaughter, a Grade I listed 17th-century Cotswold stone manor house set within 7 acres of private gardens and grounds in the heart of the village. It sold for £10,500,000 on February 26, 2021.
Market towns like Chipping Norton offer better infrastructure, schools, and year-round rental potential, while villages provide higher tourist appeal but more seasonal income variation. Towns generally offer more stability
Bourton-on-the-Water works well for holiday lets with premium seasonal rates, but consider the village’s popularity can mean noise and parking challenges. Winter months typically see reduced demand and rental rates.
Moreton-in-Marsh provides direct rail services to London Paddington, while Kemble (near Cirencester) offers similar connectivity. These transport links make all the difference for buyers balancing rural living with urban employment.
Fox Davidson brokers mortgages over £100k with LTV up to 95%—quick approvals for buy-to-let or residential.
